Abstract: TH-PO1023
Breast Arterial Calcification Predicts Vascular Events in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Session Information
- Transplantation: Clinical - Outcomes, Malignancy, and Pathology
October 22, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Transplantation
- 2002 Transplantation: Clinical
Authors
- Vongrojrattana, Ravipa, Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
- Disthabanchong, Sinee, Mahidol University Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
Background
While coronary artery calcification, a key predictor of cardiovascular outcomes, reflects both intimal and medial calcification, breast arterial calcification (BAC) represents exclusively medial calcification and is more prevalent and severe in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Calcium–phosphate imbalance, prolonged dialysis vintage, and dysregulation of calcification inhibitors are major contributors to arterial calcification. Although BAC has been associated with cardiovascular events and mortality across all stages of CKD, data in kidney transplant recipients remain limited.
Methods
This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the association between BAC and post-transplant outcomes, including major adverse kidney events (MAKE), composite major cardiovascular and limb events (MACE + MALE), and all-cause mortality. A total of 227 female patients aged ≥40 years who underwent kidney transplantation (KT) between 2007 and 2023 and had at least one mammogram within 2 years before or 5 years after KT were included. Patients with a post-transplant serum creatinine ≥2 mg/dL within 12 months of the mammogram date were excluded. Outcomes were ascertained from medical records through the end of 2025.
Results
During follow-up, there were 34 MAKEs, 25 composite major cardiovascular and limb events, and 16 deaths. In univariate analyses, the presence of BAC (BAC+) was associated with composite cardiovascular and limb events and all-cause mortality, but not with MAKE. After adjustment for relevant confounders, BAC+ remained independently associated with an increased risk of composite cardiovascular and limb events, whereas the association with mortality was no longer significant.
Conclusion
The presence of BAC at the time of KT, likely reflecting cumulative vascular calcification from prior dialysis exposure, is associated with an increased risk of composite cardiovascular and limb events after transplantation. BAC may therefore serve as a convenient risk marker for vascular events in kidney transplant recipients.